In our last issue of the Ally, I shared how our affinity groups are using the power of networking to bring people together to effect change across our state. And we have only just begun! This month closes out another year – another year facing many challenges, uncertainty, surprises, and even blessings. December also signifies the official end of the first year for the Policy Unit, and we have accomplished so much this year. In the first message I shared after starting in April, I noted that “Alliance dreams are coming true,” and they continue to unfold each passing month.

This month, we have added our affinity/policy groups to the Alliance website! We now have a dedicated web page that highlights the mission of each of our current groups along with upcoming meetings. You will be able to register to attend affinity/policy groups that are vital to achieving the Alliance’s mission. The enhanced page will give us more visibility with a greater audience. Our work as a neutral convener, facilitator, mediator, and relationship-builder among public and private sector individuals and organizations is reflected in the members of each of our groups, as we focus on increasing learning, collaboration, and funding around critical policy issues.

As we move into 2022, our groups will identify the concerns within each group, policy gaps, and opportunities and develop effective strategies to address them. Our goal is to collectively create better outcomes for children, families, and communities.

You can access this page on the website by clicking the Affinity/Policy Groups – Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy (alliancems.org). As always, please reach out to me if you are interested in joining one of our groups. While this page is live, there is more to come, so stay tuned so you can watch it evolve with us. I have more dreams for the Policy Unit, and I am excited to see them unfold in 2022!